Dr. Susan Kelleher, widely known as Dr. K, is a celebrated veterinarian who owns the Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Deerfield Beach, Florida. At age 57 (born in 1968), she specializes in exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and primates, famously avoiding dogs and cats with her motto: “If it fits through the door, I’ll treat it.” Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, driven by her thriving clinic and TV fame on Nat Geo Wild’s Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, which premiered in 2014 and streams on Disney+. Married to firefighter Greg Martin since 1999, she has three children and no public dating rumors. Her salary likely exceeds the average vet’s $77,000 annually, boosted by TV earnings of $3,000 per episode. With average height and moderate weight, Dr. K balances her high-stakes career with family life in Loxahatchee, Florida.
Early Life and Path to Veterinary Stardom
Born in 1968 in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Susan Kelleher grew up surrounded by unusual pets—rabbits, ducks, chickens, gerbils, hamsters, birds, and snakes—which ignited her passion for exotic animals. As a teenager, she volunteered at the Buffalo Zoo, working with bird keepers, an experience that defined her career path. She pursued a dual major in chemistry and biology at Alfred University, graduating in 1990, before earning her DVM from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. During her studies, she immersed herself in the avian, exotic, and wildlife program, volunteering at the Clinch River Raptor Center and externing with experts like Dr. Jeff Jenkins in San Diego. “I always knew I wanted to focus on the unusual pets most vets overlook,” she shared in an interview, highlighting her unique focus. In 1995, drawn to warmer climates, she moved to South Florida, initially working in small animal practices before founding her own clinic in the late 1990s as her exotic clientele expanded.
Professional Career and TV Breakthrough
Dr. Kelleher’s Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital is a 4,000-square-foot hub for non-traditional pets, handling complex cases from parrots to primates. Her expertise led to her starring role in Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER on Nat Geo Wild, launched in 2014 and now streaming on platforms like Disney+ and Prime Video. The unscripted series showcases high-stakes surgeries, like treating a lynx or a marmoset with aggressive herpes, captivating global audiences. A unique insight from her practice: many exotic pet issues stem from owners’ lack of knowledge about natural behaviors, diets, and lifespans. For example, a Texas owner’s long drive for a bird’s post-op care highlighted recovery challenges like swelling, which Dr. Kelleher tackles with specialized techniques. Her clinic’s Yelp reviews praise her efficiency, such as microchipping doves for travel. In 2025, she remains active, participating in events like Broward County Animal Care’s Summer Bash for adoptions and tours. Learn more about her show on its Wikipedia page.
Net Worth, Salary, Height, and Weight Details
Dr. Kelleher’s net worth of approximately $1.5 million in 2025 reflects her success as a clinic owner and TV personality over three decades. Her salary surpasses the average veterinarian’s $77,000 annually, supplemented by TV residuals and clinic revenues from specialized treatments in high-demand South Florida. While exact earnings are private, her role in Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER likely nets her $3,000 per episode. Physically, she maintains an average height and moderate weight, fitting her active role handling feisty reptiles and birds. Her blonde hair, greenish-blue eyes, and signature glasses enhance her approachable TV presence, balancing practicality with professionalism in her demanding career.
Married Life, Family, and Dating History
Married since April 14, 1999, to Greg Martin, a paramedic and firefighter, Dr. Kelleher shares a complementary life-saving partnership—him with humans, her with animals. They live in Loxahatchee, Florida, with their daughters, Elba and Claire, and son, Myles. Claire, showing early interest in animals, often visits the clinic, hinting at a potential family legacy. No divorce or dating rumors have surfaced post-marriage, reflecting their private yet stable bond. Their home is a menagerie, with pets like a 100-lb tortoise named Durda, a macaw named Xander, and a cat named William, mirroring her professional world. Shared hobbies like beekeeping and family outings ground her amid chaotic ER cases. Follow her on Instagram @drsusankelleher or Facebook.
Biography Table: Dr. Susan Kelleher’s Key Milestones
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Susan Kelleher (DVM) |
| Birth Year | 1968, Buffalo, New York |
| Age (2025) | 57 |
| Education | BS Chemistry & Biology, Alfred University (1990); DVM, University of Tennessee (1995) |
| Early Career | Volunteered at Buffalo Zoo and Clinch River Raptor Center |
| Clinic Founded | Late 1990s, Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital, Deerfield Beach, FL |
| TV Debut | Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER (2014–present) |
| Marriage | To Greg Martin (1999) |
| Children | Elba, Claire (daughters); Myles (son) |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 million |
| Salary Estimate | Above $77,000 annually + TV earnings |
| Height/Weight | Average height, moderate weight |
| Residence | Loxahatchee, Florida |
| Pets at Home | Tortoise (Durda), Macaw (Xander), Cat (William), Budgie (Nathaniel) |
| Hobbies | Gardening, biking, reading, family time with exotic pets |
| Social Media | Twitter @DrSusanKelleher, Instagram, Facebook |
| Recent Activity | Events like Broward Summer Bash (2025) |
Unique Perspectives on Exotic Veterinary Care
Dr. Kelleher’s work sheds light on the challenges of exotic pet ownership. A notable case involved microchipping a dove for travel, showcasing her efficiency under pressure. She warns against impulsive pet purchases, noting, “Research the animal’s needs thoroughly,” as many cases stem from mismatched expectations, like primates’ complex social needs. Despite minor injuries from bites, she advocates for ethical domestication and stricter regulations, especially as exotic pet popularity rises post-show. In 2025, her clinic sees increased emergency visits, but she emphasizes prevention through education. Visit exoticanimalcare.com for clinic details. Her journey—from a curious kid to a celebrity vet—offers a compelling case for specialized, compassionate care.
